Regional press journalist-turned-fantasy writer Mark Chadbourn has won a top award at this year’s British Fantasy Awards.

The former Burton Mail journalist, who had his first novel published in 1992, won first prize in the short fiction category for his mini-novel The Fairy Feller’s Master Stroke.

The prestigious awards are widely considered to be the equivalent of the BAFTAs for authors of fantasy literature, and Mark now joins a list of famous winners such as Stephen King who have previously won trophies at the awards.

Mark was also a runner-up in the best novel category for another book, The Devil In Green.

Mark said: “I’m absolutely stunned that I won the award against some of the most famous science fiction authors.

“When I was younger I used to read the other winning authors’ books and I can’t believe I’ve been chosen to win the award above other world famous authors.

“I write books because I really enjoy doing it. It’s a great feeling, but I also feel humbled by the recognition.”

Before becoming a full-time author, the 43-year-old worked as the Swadlincote district reporter for the Burton Mail.

After a spell on the Birmingham Post & Mail, he took voluntary redundancy to do shifts in London on various national newspapers and TV. He then took a staff job at Today and then the Daily Mail before quitting when his first book was accepted.

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